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Excellent feedback, and great help with pictures of the Escape power awning. You guys have real-life experience with awnings, so your opinion is quite valuable. I have heard wind is the enemy of awnings, manual or power. One YouTube video actually used the wind threat as a reason to go power (can retract power awning quicker than the manual version when a storm sneaks up). Being from Florida, quick and easy shade is a big deal! Tired of being hot and humid - each summer seems to get harder (or, possibly I am getting older and less able to handle the heat). Will be so nice to hookup to the Oliver (pickup April2019) and go to regions of cooler temps and less humidity (which is everywhere else compared to the Florida panhandle). The Dometic page has a cool looking high-tech power awning - will be interesting to see which model Oliver choses.

Being a push-button convenience sort of person, the idea of a power awning option seems mighty fine. I viewed the Dometic website and one reason for sticking with the manual awning is the freedom from electricity. How much juice does a power awning actually need? With my upgraded solar panels and batteries (and, the power inverter), should I be concerned about the power awning while boondocking? Are there other reasons to not select the power awning (other than additional costs which, to my knowledge, Oliver has not yet announced)? Would enjoy reading about experiences you have with power awnings.

I must show my ignorance (and lack of cooking skills) in regards to a convection microwave. We are building our 2019 Model upgrade list (pickup in April 2019) and now must consider this potential upgrade. Our plan was to use our Boss Oven (electric plug-in) to bake chicken, turkey, roast, you name it. Been using one at home for years. Does the Convection Microwave bring features beyond what we can do with the Boss Oven? I understand basic Microwaves - simply not familiar with Convection Microwave. I guess if the upgrade option is only a few dollars extra, we will likely go for it (already up to $70K, why back off now). I am also interested in the announcement of changing the brand of refrigerator to Norcold. Does anyone know if that represents a step up from the previous refrigerator? Also, the awning supplier has changed - same question.

I just read the 2019 model will have a Norcold Refrigerator, a Dometic awning (manual is standard, powered will be an upgrade), and a convection microwave (upgrade). Since I will be picking up a 2019 model in April 2019, I am very anxious to read opinions about these changes. First, was Dometic Refrigerator in the previous models? Why did Oliver change to Norcold? How does Norcold compare to Dometic? Second, the awning change to Dometic - why do you think Oliver made this change? Was the previous awning problematic? Lastly, I must admit not much knowledge about convection microwaves. Is this an exciting development? What will a convection microwave do that a standard microwave lacks (I can Google that one, I guess). I usually merely heat up stuff in a Microwave. I anxiously look forward to comments and opinions regarding these changes.

I really enjoy reading the opinions of Oliver owners - so much expertise and persuasive wisdom. I am at the stage of deciding on upgrades for a build date in December 2018 and pickup date in April 2019, so the Truma tankless water heater option is of interest. I thought I decided to get it (no brainer) until reading so many valid reasons to not. However, the reasoning of it being expensive rings hollow as I prepare to drop $70K on a relatively small travel trailer (my "experienced" camping friends argue I could purchase two or three travel trailers of comparable size for this one $70K purchase). Anyway, that is another topic - back to the Truma - you are my main go-to wise one on the forum and your opinion the Truma gets me back to my original thinking - add it to the list. My problem, I like all the upgrade options. As Anita suggested, might be better to get an option now while the labor is included in the new trailer purchase price, than pay for labor to add it later (I am not very good at self-install). It is likely Karren and I will spend more time at campgrounds than out in the wild, so, the need to conserve water (and limit showers) will not be a factor very often. And, I have decided on the composting toilet - in my thinking, a lesser evil than managing a relatively small capacity black tank (once again, my "experienced" camper friends do not agree). Thank you for your opinion on the Truma.

Thank you for your responses. Happy you mentioned the Andersen Jack Blocks - looks to be a good combo: Andersen ramp + Andresen Jack Blocks.

Since I pick up my first travel trailer April 2019, I know nothing about leveling a trailer except what I have viewed on YouTube. I think I like the Andersen levers (ramp style levelers) coupled with the LevelMate Pro Bluetooth technology. Do you have opinions and/or experience with these devices? Since I prefer not to screw into the fiberglass, what adhesive tape (Velcro?) is best for attaching and securing the LevelMate Pro device to the inside of the travel trailer? My understanding, able to sit in the TV cab and back onto the Andersen levelers until the iPhone app indicates level. Maybe a spouse qualified in working a bubble level and shouting at the TV driver will work just as well? Thoughts?

and, I forgot to ask about the length of the power cord - a friend of mine suggested might need an additional power cord to add to the primary power cord for any parking spots too far from the power supply.

Will not pick up my Oliver until April 2019, so not aware the electrical service cords that will be supplied by Oliver. As I create my purchase list for camping accessories, what electrical adapters should I purchase. For example, I am guessing a 50amp (male) to 30amp (female) adapter (I think it is called a dogleg) for those campgrounds that only provide 50amp service. Seems another adapter is to plug up to my house electricity. I am guessing you seasoned electric-knowledgeable campers have a toolbox with all the electrical adapters an Oliver owner might need - would appreciate any recommendations.

the Pavilion appears to come with standard rolldown window covers. However, as the name implies, the Pavilion looks to be rather large. Any thoughts on this model?

You guys are Electric! I plan to have an electrician wire my 30amp service very soon so this information is quite timely. Also, thank you DavidS for your circuit and voltage testing gadget - I checked out your recipe and ordered the stuff from Amazon Prime right away. This will be a simple and inexpensive pre-hookup check at every camp ground. Once again, thanks to all for this great information. As an aside, before I ever heard of Oliver, I was researching Airstream and spent much time monitoring the Airstream forum. What a negative, complaining, poor-mouthing forum. In fact, it was the frequent quality complaints that led me to Oliver. One Airstream commenter suggested "Airstream quality is so poor it might be best to get an Oliver", so, I checked out Oliver and the rest is history (I pickup in April 2019). And this Oliver forum - no one complains and gripes about quality, but offers helpful information and suggestions for improvement. I am so very pleased to have found Oliver owners - looking forward to being one(I did make my 15% down payment, so, I am a partial owner).

I am picking up my new LEII in April 2019 and have decided (I think) to get the composting toilet. These bug and fuse issues seem easy fixes by Oliver - are they aware and will they fix for 2019 models? Should I ask about these things when I visit the factory in October? Does Oliver monitor this forum and implement these adjustments (I hope so).

Do you use a floor (outdoor carpet) in the clam?

I am so spoiled - decided I want quality nugget ice for my drinks. Just ordered Opal Nugget ice maker on Amazon Prime (a countertop nugget/pellet ice maker - makes about one pound per hour and holds three pounds, so the literature and reviews claim). This thing is pricey for certain, but, hopefully will be a welcome comfort to trailer life when I pickup my Oliver LEII in April 2019. In the meantime, will definitely use it at home (not a fan of the cubes we have been getting from our Samsung kitchen refrigerator the past few years). What do you guys do for ice when camping? The Oliver freezer and ice trays? Purchase ice at nearest Store and keep it in an ice chest? Simply do without? Just curious.

What a great suggestion - clam plus the magnetic screen. We live in FL and battle bugs every day. I am convinced mosquitos are the fiercest animals on earth. Speaking of bugs, my FL camping buddies tell me when you setup camp you should spray anything that comes in contact with the ground (jacks, wheels, tongue) to prevent bugs (ants and spiders) from hitching a ride in your travel trailer when you leave. Any thoughts on that? I don't recall the material they recommended be used.

thank you for your advice. I am still learning the camping jargon - what is a "BLM spot"?

These forum discussions regarding wifiranger and weboost cell phone amplifier are great! I have decided to add both to my April2019 Oliver ELII upgrade list. Seem appropriate for me, at least. If you are interested in getting this technology for your Oliver, I suggest you check out the WifiRanger website training videos for a super explanation and easy to understand review of the Wifiranger SkyPro. Really cool technology and appears to be very user-friendly software. Sold me. And, the presenter on these videos is excellent (even I can follow him). https://wifiranger.com/support

I will pick up my retirement Oliver LEII in April 2019, so trying to learn as much as possible to be ready for my last adventure. When you guys stop overnight at a Walmart or other quick night stop on your travels to somewhere, do you unhook from your Tow Vehicle or simply stay connected for a quick start the next morning? Do you put down your jacks and level the trailer? If so, can you put down the jacks and level the trailer without unhooking? I plan to get the Andersen weight distribution hitch and have read from the forum that hooking back up can be a bit aggravating at times. So, hope to hear no need to unhook when making a quick overnight stop?

DavidS You continue to impress with your wise advice. I just signed-up for a December start-to-build date with an April 2019 delivery, so in the process of deciding upgrades and options. The cell booster and Wifi booster are on my list, and I intend to deploy a Verizon Jetpack the way you described. However, I am confused about the cell phone booster placement issue. I assumed a cell phone signal booster placed anywhere in the relatively small Oliver would have enough range to send a boosted cell phone signal through the entire inside area of the Oliver (and hopefully outside too). Is it true the cell phone has to be within 18 inches of the cell phone booster to receive a boosted signal? I may have misread the discussion, certainly this cell phone booster has a better range than 18 inches. Even though I can place my Verizon Jetpack within 18 inches of the cell phone booster to take advantage of a stronger Verizon signal for my Wifi devices, if the Verizon signal is weak will I need to position my phone calls within 18 inches from the signal booster?

I must show my ignorance one again (hate when that happens). I have ATT and the wife has Verizon (long story). Will the cell booster amplify both the Verizon and ATT incoming signals, or, must you program the booster to only amplify a certain service provider?

DavidS Thank you for an incredibly helpful response! Based upon your thorough counsel, I have decided to add both items to my LEII upgrade wish list, plus the Verizon Jetpack 7730L as my mobile Wifi device (unless they come out with a better model in Spring 2019 when I hope to pickup my Oliver). My apologies in advance for seeking your opinion on future upgrade options - hopefully the forum does not tire of my seemingly endless questions as I plan this purchase. Advice from you seasoned travelers is golden. I am prone to study things too much, even though the decision to purchase an Oliver ELII has already been made. This will be my first (and probably last) travel trailer as Karren and I travel/camp into retirement. After a full working career, my primary selection criteria in all things is minimal hassle (been hassled enough the past 40+ years). Easy is my main objective, and Oliver LEII appears to be a great choice for ease of towing, setup, parking, boondocking, campground, maintaining, and if the need arises, sale. Speaking of "easy", my next forum question will be about trailer leveling. I found videos of an Andersen leveling system that looks to be pretty simple and fool-proof. Being new to this stuff, I have no prior experience leveling a trailer but can appreciate there might be a Best Practice for getting level. I welcome comments on this subject.

As I research and build my list of possible upgrades in anticipation of purchasing a 2019 Legacy Elite II, the question of purchasing the WiFiranger Skypro pack ($699 option) and Weboost Drive 4G-M Cell phone amplifier ($625 option). My thinking is to use a Verizon Jetpack mobile hotspot service in the trailer as my WiFi (MiFi). Will I need the Wifi ranger and/or cell phone amplifier Weboost to supplement the Jetpack? I do realize having internet connection is only possible if I can receive a signal. Really would appreciate some advice - I readily admit my tech-savy bar is pretty low.

As I daydream about retirement and traveling in my brand new 2019 Oliver Legacy Elite II, deciding on upgrades is my current project. These discussions have almost convinced me the composting toilet is a good upgrade. This will be my first travel trailer, so I do not have experience with managing black water, but, the thought of traveling with a tank full of sewage is not sounding so good. Maybe this composting thing is the way to go. Other than off-grid camping and saving water, are there other reasons to go dry toilet? My experienced camping friends (mostly 5th wheel large campers) tell me the Oliver black water tank is small and will need to be dumped frequently (depending upon use, of course). I can imagine this might become aggravating. As I look at videos and read about the composting toilet, my immediate fears (odor, flies, mess) seem to be unfounded. Any thoughts about this upgrade are most appreciated. Since Oliver will install all the black tank plumbing anyway, if the composting adventure turns out to be a bad decision for me, changing to a traditional toilet system seems not too difficult.

This is fantastic!! Thank you so much - most helpful!

For my boat (have not purchased my Oliver yet), I keep a backup supply of every fuse, just in case. Would it be difficult to create a list of all the fuses that might be needed and maintain a supply on the Oliver, just in case? From my brief time being part of this wonderful forum of extremely knowledgeable folk, would not be surprised if one of you already created such an inventory list. If so, please share? How cool to have an inventory of every fuse size and a listing to which gadget it belongs.